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Kibale National Park

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]Kibale National Park

Kibale national park is located in western Uganda covering an area of about 795 square kilo meters, it is part of the larger kibale fort portal eco system known for bio diversity and conservation efforts. The park is famous for its diverse primate species including over 1500 chimpanzees, it encompasses tropical rain forests providing rich habitat for various wildlife. Visitors are able to engage in guided chimp tracking, bid watching and explore the beautiful landscapes within the park.

The park was established in the year 1993 to protect the diverse array of primates and other wildlife in the region. Since its inception, kibale national park has been recognized for its successful conservation initiatives and a valuable destination for eco-tourism and research activities.

About Kibale National Park

Chimpanzee habituation and trekking
Best time to do chimpanzee Trekking
How much is chimpanzee trekking
What to see in the park.
What to do In the Park
Accessibility of kibale national park
Where to Stay
Chimpanzee habituation and trekking

Chimpanzee habituation in kibale involves the process of acclimating wild chimpanzees to the presence of humans. This allows researchers and other visitors to observe and learn chimpanzee behavior more closely, this process can take about 2 or 3 years.

Habituation typically takes several years and involves gradual exposure to human observers. In kibale, this process provides visitors with rare and unique opportunity to participate in chimpanzee habituation, spending an extended period in the forest to witness the daily lives of these primates as they become accustomed to human presence.

Chimpanzee trekking is the adventure of going onto guided treks in search of these primates. It involves skilled guides leading visitors on trails, helping them track and locate chimp groups. The trek offers thrilling opportunities to witness these intelligent primates up close, observe their behaviors and learn about their conservation taking about 3 hours and 1 hour in their presence. It’s a popular activity for wildlife enthusiast seeking an immersive experience with one of our closest relatives in the animal kingdom.

Best time to do chimpanzee Trekking

Chimpanzee trekking can be done throughout the whole year, but the best time is during the dry season. The dry season ranges from June to September and December to February, during this period, trails are more accessible and chimpanzees are often easier to spot as they stay closer to the trails in search of food.

How much is chimpanzee trekking

Chimpanzee permit costs,

USD 200 for non-foreign residents per person

USD 150 for foreign residents per person

UGX 150,000 for East African citizens per person

What to see in the park.

Kibale has diverse attractions with a primary focus on primate species, these include;

The park is home to over 1500 primates most of which chimpanzees and others are olive baboons, red tailored monkey, white and black colobus monkeys and vervet monkeys. Visitors are allowed to trek and observe these primates in their natural habitat.

  • Bigodi wetland sanctuary

Adjacent to kibale, this community run sanctuary offers guided walks through a swamp, providing opportunities to spot variety of birds and other wildlife species.

  • Birds

Kibale national park boasts over 375 birds’ species, making it a paradise for bird enthusiast. Notable species include the African grey parrot, turacos, brown chested alethe, yellow rumped tinker, little greenbul, black eared ground thrush, green breasted pitta and Abyssinian ground thrush.

  • Scenic beauty.

Kibale national park landscape features lush tropical rainforests, crater lakes and diverse vegetation creating a visually stunning environment for visitors.

What to do In the Park

  • Nature walks.

Enjoy guided walks within the park to appreciate its diverse flora landscapes and perhaps encounter other smaller wildlife.

  • Wildlife viewing

Kibale national park hosts smaller wildlife species like forest elephants, antelopes, duikers, bush bucks and red duikers. You also get chance to encounter reptiles and amphibians contributing to its overall ecological diversity.

  • Bird watching

With over 375 bird species, kibale is a paradise for bird watchers. Species include the African grey parrot, great blue turacos and a number of butterflies and small insects contributing to its ecological richness.

  • Primate tracking.

Apart from chimpanzees, you are able to explore the park’s trails to encounter other primate species such as red colobus monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys, vervet monkeys, vervet monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys and olive baboons.

  • Cultural experiences.

Explore nearby communities to learn about local cultures and traditions. Feel free to engage and participate in these encounters or village walks to gain insights into the lives of these people found in the region.

Accessibility of kibale national park

Kibale national park is accessible both by road and air. The nearest town is fort portal and from there, it takes about 40 minutes of drive to the park headquarters depending on traffic and road conditions.

If travelling by air, the nearest airstrip is Kasese airstrip which is approximately a 2 to 3 hour drive from the park. Chartered and domestic flights can be arranged to Kasese from kajjansi or Entebbe depending on your location.

Where to Stay

High-end lodges in Kibale NP:

  • Primate Lodge
  • Chimpundu Lodge
  • Papaya Lake Lodge
  • Volcanoes Kibale Lodge

Mid-budget Lodges in Kibale NP:

  • Kibale Forest Camp
  • Turaco Tree Tops
  • Kibale Guest Cottages
  • Isunga Lodge

Low budget Lodges in Kibale NP:

  • Chimpanzee Forest Lodge
  • Kibale Forest Camp (Tents)
  • Bweza Kibale Lodge

What our customers Say ?

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Hollyward19
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Incredible experience with a fantastic guide We visited Uganda for a 9-day safari tour, and this company made it one of the best experiences of our lives. Our fantastic guide Edmand worked tirelessly to make sure we were comfortable, maximise the time with the animals, and was a fountain of interesting knowledge about the various species, culture, and history of the country. We learned so much and really appreciated Edmand's ability to find the hiding animals, as well as his patience to let us enjoy the moments (whilst other safari jeeps drove off, we spent an extra 10 minutes with a lioness and her cubs). In addition, the accommodation was all lovely, and the food throughout was great (we're vegetarian and didn't struggle at all). Cost wise we found the company to be fair compared to others. Importantly though we were never up-sold anything throughout the tour. Everything is included and there was no one trying to make us spend more. Thank you Emerald of Africa. If we're lucky enough to visit Uganda again, we will definitely rebook with you!
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davidingo
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Great Trip with Super Agency We arrived in Kigali, Rwanda and started our 7 day trip from visiting Chemlazes, then Golden Monkeys and after crossing the border to Uganda we did Gorilla tracking.... Landscape is unimaginably gourgeus, people are Super kind and nice.. Trip was very well organised including the hotels, dining, car and most importantly out guide Edward!!!... Well DONE, Bravo!!! °°
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A B
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Excellent It was such a lovely trip with Bob. He planned our two-weeks-tour very well. We enjoyed charming lodges, the great nature of Uganda and most interesting safaris through National Parks. Bob is a very safe driver, he supported us absolut compentently during the trip regarding all questions. We guess we will come back to Uganda with Bob.
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SpideySligo
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Thee best safari of my life Had the most amazing safari experience with Emerald of Africa.Not only were we comfortable on the long drive up to Murchison Falls but our drivers/guides could not have been more professional and friendly.On top of that, Eddie and Meddy are so knowledgeable about Uganda's wildlife and we are still in disbelief that we got to see all of the Big Five!Truly an epic and memorable experience and I cannot recommend them enough for anyone considering a Ugandan safari.
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Headspun
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Unforgettable Rwanda Emerald tailored our 5 day trip to Rwanda to all our many and frequently changing requests without any fuss. Chris, our driver/guide for the duration, could not have been more helpful and professional
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Nic
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Amazing holidays! Great holidays! Even my special wishes were included into the planning although time was short. Our guide and driver City Tyson Magezi was caring and responsible. We traveled for four weeks and stayed in different accommodations from hut to tent to amazing hotels.
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Susanne
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Just amazing It felt so safe and comfortable and exciting to travel with emerald. Our guide was so caring, so experienced and always friendly and an a great mood. He showed us so many animals included lions and leopards. That was just amazing . We saw wonderful landscapes like waterfalls and had contact to people . No Uganda or Eastern Africa without emerald . I m deep in love with Uganda and will come back as soon as possible.
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Jose Murta
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Memorable Family Trip in Uganda Fantastic Trip that exceeded our expectations! Travelled to Uganda with wife and 2 children (9 and 10y old) for 7 days. Since the start (at planning stage) got a great support from Bob (company owner) and Edmund (our guide) via WhatsApp. They tailored a program to our needs including the unforgettable mountain gorillas hike, general hikes to waterfalls, safari including boat trip to see hipos!! Edmund, our guide, always super polite and the kids enjoyed him a lot! All our hotels, meals included in the package so no hassle on this….we just paid for drinks! The only regret I have is not staying one extra day in the Mburo National Park to explore a bit more ;) Memorable trip with so much nature and a super-humble people that made the experience even more enjoyable!! Super recommend!! The whole family just feeling we need to get back to explore more ;)
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Dwayne B
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Great Experience With Emerald!! It was an amazing experience! My guides Lucky and Hillary made me feel as if I was family and took care of everything I needed. They were very knowledgeable as we trekked to gorillas in Bwindi and a ride a wildlife safari through Queen Elizabeth. I learned so much from them about the animals, the terrain and the surrounding people. They we also incredibly helpful in helping me find activities around Buhoma, where I stayed, all of which were great. By the time I left I knew I had made friends who I will continue to stay in touch with. Can’t wait to come back with my family!
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Dávid B
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Feeding python - 9 lions on a tree - leopard vs. lion We saw all animals and extremely special situations in a short period of time, good organization and friendly guide Paul with lots of knowledge.
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